Cyclic response of column to foundation connections of reinforced concrete precast structures: Numerical and experimental comparisons

•Seismic performance of column to foundation connections in precast structures was studied.•evaluation of the response of the welded connection between steel shoes and reinforcing bars was derived.•evaluation of the global failure mechanism.•Comparison between numerical and experimental tests were done.•Different fragility levels were established for different analysis scenarios and code provisions. The cyclic response of a column to foundation connection system, based on the mechanical connection between steel shoes embedded into the column base and protruding steel bolts anchored into the foundation, is experimentally and numerically examined in this paper. The hysteretic behaviour and the global collapse mechanism of the connections are studied through three full-scale specimens subjected to a constant axial load and to a quasi-static cyclic horizontal top displacement history at increasing drift levels. Additionally, advanced three-dimensional finite element models, including non-linearity in material and geometry, are developed and calibrated in order to analyze and capture the local experimental response of the connections. Due to the lack of information and guidelines on the subject, the aim of this research is to evaluate the seismic performances of the system in order to evaluate the real response of the welded connection between steel shoes and reinforcing bars.